Wrestling Goes to the Beach

Classifies spoof as a sport, then regulates it

(NEWSER) - Seattle has put the smackdown on a mock-wrestling circuit that stages WWE-style bouts in bars, putting the fake league is in the strange position of trying to prove its antics aren't a sport. Seattle Semi-Pro Wrestling, which started as an "art joke" in 2003, says it's merely staging theatrical "fight cabaret." But the city has ruled otherwise—with pricey consequences, reports the Wall Street Journal. More»

(NEWSER) - The WWE isn’t the only pro-wrestling battleground: Outside the mainstream are several indie wrestling leagues where lesser-known fighters can duke it out, the Wall Street Journal reports. There’s little pay—sometimes only $25 a night—and crowds can range from 20 to 18,000, says one contender. But there’s plenty of violence, cheering, and blood. More»

Sweden's Abrahamian only out for the gold

(NEWSER) - Swedish wrestler Ara Abrahamian threw his bronze medal to the floor during the ceremony, stormed off, and vowed to quit the sport, the Telegraph reports. "I don't care about this medal. I wanted gold," Abrahamian said. The wrestler had earlier confronted the judges’ over their decision that eventually gave the gold to Andrea Minguzzi, before being restrained by team officials. More»

Cuts force suspension of domestic track and field events

(NEWSER) - The birthplace of the Olympics might no longer be able to afford participation in the games. Crushing austerity measures mean there's not enough state funds to pay coaches and training staff, so Greece's Athletic Federation is now suspending all domestic track and field events until the government coughs up some euros. Sports officials say the move won't affect participation in the London Olympics or in the torch-lighting ceremony—for now. That could change if some funding isn't restored, notes the BBC . Olympic athletes are worried. More»

Where to avoid the people and the noise and find serenity

(NEWSER) - Even for die-hard swimmers, surfers, and sunbathers, sometimes a day at the beach is anything but, thanks to way, way too many people. The good news is that there are still undiscovered beaches out there. Travel + Leisure went scouting for such secret beaches. Here are its best finds:

• Todos Santos, Baja California Sur, Mexico: This artist colony is way cooler in both temperature and temperament than the Margaritaville of Cabo San Lucas, an hour to the south. Pacific breezes stir up rough and tumbling waves that have made this kicked-back community a surfer’s haven.